I have been thinking for quite some time about the song, "Let's Hear it for the Boys." I have put off sharing my thoughts about this song because I wasn't sure how to express them without sounding like I was condoning all male activity, or blaming women for what men are or are not. I have neither need nor desire to do either. What a person becomes is more about him or her than anyone else, and what a relationship becomes requires equal participation from all parties.

I usually write about these songs as I listen to them over and over again. I have not had opportunity to record this song. In fact, I was painting outside a few weeks ago when it came on the radio, and I ran to the truck to get a paper and pen. I wrote the lyrics on the back of the Dulem's estimate sheet. I have a difficult time even bringing up the tune, though I know I love it. Ah, give me a hand anyway. Let's hear it for the fool who attempts to celebrate maleness today.

Yes, that's what I want to do. I want to celebrate being male, and express my pride in the males I know. Without exception, they all mean well, want to be good husbands, good providers, good fathers, spiritual leaders, great lovers, and yes, the rough old goats even want to be SENSITIVE. They may not even know it or want to admit it, so don't tell them I told you. I know it's true and I will fight you to the death to prove it.

As I hear the song, I listen to a female who from the beginning was aware of her male's shortcomings, but chose to focus on his strengths and what he did well. In time she may decide to become more disillusioned, disappointed, and dissatisfied with his inability to be her shinning knight in the way she expects. But now she gives her boy a hand, wants to hear it for her man, and her baby, that though he isn't a Romeo, he's still a one man show; he may watch every dime, but always shows her a real good time; he may sing off cue, but what he does he does well. In short, she cheers for her man.

She understands the boy within a man, and that that boy has to be honored if that boy is going to continue to grow into a male, more and more complete, more and more male. She instinctively knew that reminding him of his faults would only serve to crush attempts to be that knight he really wants to be. She knew of his courage but that the courage was fragile and must be nurtured until it blossomed into more and more courage to be and do and become all he really wants to be.

Like she says, "You've got to understand." You have to understand that she sees something in her man that maybe you don't and she is choosing to see that something, maybe even in the face of opposition from friends and family. She knew that she chose this man for life and babies, and had the confidence to honor that choice and trust that choice. She understood when others didn't. She believed when others didn't. She went to bat for her male when others would not.

LET'S HEAR IT FOR OUR MEN.